The legislation, named in his honor, would blacklist any Russian believed to be responsible for major human rights violations from receiving a visa to travel to the United States.

A strong, successful, and transparent Russia that protects the rights of its citizens is squarely in the interests of the United States and the entire international community.

President Medvedev said that he was going to root out corruption, that he was going to make that a real hallmark of his Presidency.

We think that is something we should all be doing. And I applaud the administration for taking action under the authority that they have.

The United States cannot make Russia respect human rights and we cannot build democracy in Russia.

I think that the curtain has gone up on a new act right now since last weekend's elections.

We'll continue to demonstrate our support, not for particular candidates or electoral outcomes, but for a process that is more open and genuine.

it would send a very powerful signal to the Russian people that the United States is stepping up its willingness to invest in their future.

I think I certainly have had a perception, that I think is shared by many, that President Medvedev has been easier to deal with in terms of human rights concerns.

Prime Minister Putin's assertion that the funds that the United States and other donors provide to civil society groups constitute unwarranted interference in Russia's internal affairs is a tiresome cliche, a well-worn canard, and without…

The bill that I filed on behalf of many of my colleagues makes it clear that if you violate basic human rights, don't ask for the privilege to visit the United States.

I would strongly encourage support for that and hope that there would be more funds available should Russian organizations want to avail themselves of it.